July 11, 2016

UH in 4, an Office of the Provost initiative which focuses on students completing undergraduate studies in four years was highlighted at Complete College America’s 15 to Finish Summer Policy Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Complete College America (CCA) is a national nonprofit that works with states to significantly increase the number of Americans with qualify career certificates or college degrees and to close attainment gaps for traditionally underrepresented populations.

Partnership with the University of Houston (UH) on the Houston Guided Pathways to Success initiative, spearheaded by Provost Paula Myrick Short, has led CCA to declare Houston GPS the 40^th member of the Alliance of States. The seven institutions of Houston GPS constitute an unprecedented regional collaboration to improve the lives and college completion rates of Houston-area students. As an Alliance member, Houston GPS will receive in-depth technical assistance from America’s leading experts on improving college success and are eligible for unique multi-state policy forums sponsored by CCA.

“I am proud our University is recognized by CCA as a game changer” said Dr. Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “My office is strongly committed to the success of students, and I have worked hard to implement programs geared towards timely completion. UH in 4’s recognized success is a result of that dedication.”

Through their work with the Houston GPS program, Complete College America learned of the UH in 4 program and the steps taken by the University of Houston to encourage students to take 15 hours per semester. UH in 4 was highlighted as a case example at the summer policy institute.

“Programs such as UH in 4 are actively supporting students toward the goal of timely graduation through a strategic approach to academic life that includes four-year academic maps, consistent work with an academic advisor, degree planning tools, and fixed tuition” said Dr. Teri Elkins Longacre, UH vice provost and dean of undergraduate student success, who presented on the gains realized from the program. To date, students participating in the UH in 4 program have achieved higher academic performance and progress more quickly through their studies than those students not participating in the program. Graduation rates have steadily increased with the four-year graduation rate rising from 16% to 25% and the six-year graduation rate increasing from 46% to 51% over the past 5 years. 

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About the Office of the Provost
The Office of the Provost houses the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost responsible for student access and success. The Office of the Provost initiates and oversees a broad range of programs which benefit students throughout the University of Houston and the community, including undergraduate, graduate, continuing and distance education programs, as well as all academic programs and policies. The Office of the Provost also oversees faculty appointment, promotion, and tenure.

About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 39,500 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.